7 Great Destinations For October Half Term Holidays

If you’re keen to experience Morocco’s rich culture and varied landscapes, Essaouira is a great choice for family trips. It’s a three-hour drive from Marrakech, though there are a few direct flights from London in October if you book well in advance. Set along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira is a breezy, bohemian escape. Its Unesco-listed medina is wrapped in 18th-century walls, where whitewashed buildings and cobalt shutters nod to Portuguese and Andalusian influences. The town’s wide beach draws surfers and kitesurfers year-round, while the harbour buzzes with fishing boats and open-air seafood grills. Inside the medina, you’ll find artisan workshops, spice-scented souks and galleries showcasing a thriving arts scene. 

Rebali Riads, just outside Essaouira in the coastal village of Sidi Kaouki, is a dream setup for families after space and privacy. Ranging from one to five bedrooms, its seven villas have private or shared pools, walled gardens and fully equipped kitchens – ideal for self-catered stays. Kids can roam safely through the grounds, play table tennis or boules and enjoy beach games just a short walk away. Staff go above and beyond to tailor experiences for all ages, from camel rides and cooking classes to windsurfing lessons. You’ll also find tennis courts, a spa, a hammam and flexible dining for the whole family, with chefs who are happy to accommodate toddlers and fussy eaters. 

Rooms from £125 per night. 

Visit RebaliRiads.com

Thanks to regular flight routes from UK airports, Zakynthos is one of the easiest Greek islands to visit. Turquoise waters, soft sands and untamed beauty are perfect for little ones to teens, with plenty of water sports and adventure to keep the whole family entertained. The east coast offers gentle, shallow bays for younger swimmers – don’t miss Tsilivi or Alykes. Families can spot sea turtles in protected marine zones, explore sea caves by boat, and retreat to hillside villas or beachfront resorts with kids’ clubs and private pools. Think slow mornings, salty swims, sunset walks and excellent Greek food.

October half term at Peligoni is a relaxed, end-of-season escape with long-table feasts, wellness sessions and high-energy kids’ activities led by TARKA. It’s a sociable, family-focused week where parents can unwind while children dive into imaginative outdoor play. Our pick of where to stay? Zygzak House, a beautiful hillside villa with sea views, shaded terraces and a small private pool – ideal for couples with young children or small groups. Just eight minutes from the club, it offers quiet luxury with easy access to all the action. Elsewhere, accommodation options will appeal to small families and larger groups. 

Accommodation from £810 per week.

Visit Peligoni.com

Away from the touristy resorts and ‘Brits abroad’ stereotype, there are plenty of reasons to visit Tenerife, not least because the largest of the Canary Islands is one of the hottest destinations in Europe in the winter months, with temperatures often exceeding 20°C. Tenerife’s southwest coast is a good place to start – golden beaches, polished hotels and a family-friendly rhythm. Costa Adeje is a top choice thanks to its calm waters and water parks. And just up the coast, Los Gigantes offers dramatic cliffs and dolphin-spotting boat trips, while nearby Playa San Juan delivers a quieter, more local vibe. 

Las Terrazas de Abama Suites is where Tenerife’s southwest coast goes quietly high-end – think cinematic Atlantic views, palm-fringed gardens and suites that feel more private villa than hotel. Interiors are crisp and contemporary, with fully equipped kitchens, generous living spaces and terraces made for sunset meals. Families are well catered for: baby baths, bottle sterilisers, bed guards and cots are all available, while older kids can dive into tennis and golf lessons or join the summer camp-style kids’ club. Three heated infinity pools, a beach reachable by resort shuttle and Michelin-starred dining across the resort complete the offering. 

From £140 per night.

Visit AbamaHotels.com

For an unforgettable family trip, Abu Dhabi ticks all the boxes – great weather (with summer heat that’s eased off towards the end of October), culturally rich and far more family-friendly than you'd expect. The beaches are pristine, there are plenty of attractions to visit, and the city’s mix of modern architecture and old-world charm keeps things interesting. Kids can race on Ferrari race tracks, splash around water parks, ride camels in the desert or cool off at Snow Abu Dhabi, while grown-ups sneak in a gallery visit at the Louvre or a walk along the Corniche. It’s clean, safe and easy to navigate – and with direct flights and zero jet lag, it’s a smart swap for the usual suspects.

One of our favourite options on this list, the Four Seasons hotel on Al Maryah Island is a city stay with resort-level polish – ideal for families who want culture, comfort and convenience in equal measure. Set on the waterfront with direct access to The Galleria mall, it’s brilliantly positioned for shopping, dining and exploring the city’s cultural highlights. Rooms are spacious and light-filled, with interconnecting options and thoughtful extras like child-size robes, welcome amenities and a dedicated kids’ and teens’ club. The hotel can arrange everything from prams, high chairs and playpens in rooms, while the pool and beach are kitted out with plenty of toys. Parents can unwind at the two-level spa or rooftop pool while little ones are entertained, and the concierge team is on hand to tailor family outings – from desert adventures to museum visits. 

From £197 per night. 

Visit FourSeasons.com